Young people are at the centre of government policies. The government continues to invest in education and in projects that are aimed at creating more and better jobs for our youngsters. Facts show that today 73 per cent of our youth continue with their post secondary studies and there are a number of opportunities that are being continually offered for these youngsters to reach their maximum potential. Employment figures show that during the period September 2010 – September 2011, there was an increase of 1,900 of gainfully employed young people. While unemployment figures are at a record high and reading more than seventeen million in EU countries, official figures place Malta among the top five countries with the lowest number of youth unemployment.

Our situation is due to clear visions and the implementation of well-thought ideas, which are not only meticulously planned but also proving to be highly effective. The phrase ‘nothing just happens’ could not be more appropriate when describing this situation. However, we cannot be complacent as there are still people looking for work, but we must acknowledge that the initiatives taken by state authorities are bearing dividends.

One must mention the work being done by the ETC, which offers a number of courses and employment schemes through the ‘Employability Programme’ that also includes training in better skills for better jobs. Hundreds of young people have succeeded in finding jobs through the ETC schedules.

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ: One year on

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ was officially launched a year ago and it is already proving to be a super tool when it comes to working with young people. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ follows the guidelines of the National Youth Policy, which is after all an expression of youth aspirations as the young people themselves drafted it. This relatively new entity is structured mainly on three pillars, namely Youth Empowerment, Policy Mainstreaming and Research. The outcomes of these fundamentals are aimed to help our youngsters face the challenges and grasp the opportunities.

In its first year of operations, the agency has managed to attract hundreds of youngsters to its empowerment programmes. Youth local councils, leadership and creativity training are just a few of the programmes attracting young people to the agency’s ranks. Villa Psaigon in Dingli will soon join the Marsaxlokk centre as youth activity centers.

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ also attracted thousands of visitors to its youth information portal. The portal disseminates information relevant to young people such as education, the family, employment, rights and responsibilities and other themes that always interest the up-and-coming generation.

This first year of work confirms that Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has given young people and their organisations another valued tool. It filled a void and created further opportunities for youngsters to empower themselves and fulfil their aspirations.